Jetways and Equestrian Ways Combine by Nancy Brannon Horseback trail riding at the airport? One would think that would be totally incompatible with a busy, noisy airport. However, starting May 2006, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority founded a program to give equestrians a pleasant place to ride their horses on tree-lined trails, while enhancing airport security. The Airport’s Equestrian Program allows any interested volunteer to ride their horses along the eastern perimeter of the 4,500-acre Nashville International Airport. The goal is to enhance security patrols in areas not accessible by vehicles. Equestrians benefit from riding in a pristine location with lots of wooded trails. Public Safety Technician Ana-Maria Frank explained that “the Dallas, Texas airport was the first airport to do this. It works well there, so Nashville copied their program. The program gives us people to patrol terrain that is inaccessible by cars or machines.” The main purpose for allowing trail riders on airport property is to provide an extra set of eyes and ears for any signs of trouble. Riders look for cut fences, signs of illegal trash dumping, or any suspicious activity. The airport trailhead is located on Pulley Road at Airport Perimeter gate #17, just north of Couchville Pike. There are clearly marked trails along the airport perimeter, with mile markers every 1/2 mile. One developed trail is 4 1/2 miles long and another is 7 1/2 miles long. There are several watering areas for horses along the trails, including both ponds and water troughs. The program does not allow solo riders, for safety reasons, and encourages group rides. “It is a free program with a beautiful area to ride. There is a lot of wildlife and it’s just a lovely place to be. It’s really wonderful out there,” Frank added. Any qualified rider can bring their spouse and children to ride with them. In order to participate in the program, equestrians must fill out an application and undergo a background check through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Riders attend orientation session on the rules for riding on the trails. Once this process is completed, riders get a photo-identification airport badge giving them access to remote parts of airport property. All riders must have cell phones so they can communicate with airport police if they see suspicious activity. Communication protocol is similar to that required for pilots. “When riders are ready to ride the trails, they call the tower, announce their name, and the name of whoever they are riding with, and say they are ready to ride the trails and give an estimated time of their ride, “ Frank explained. “Then when they leave the trail, they call in, give their name and the time they are leaving the trails.” There are 70 riders already approved for the program. Most of the riders come from the Nashville area. “The furthest people come is 150 to 200 miles away,” Frank said. They can come to ride at any time, except after dark. “Riding times are between 15 minutes after dawn and and 15 minutes before dusk,” Frank said. Sergeant David Frensley is in charge of the program and Ana-Maria handles the paperwork. If you would like to qualify to trail ride at the Nashville Airport, or want more information, call (615) 275-4420 or see their web site: www.flynashville.com.